History of IC - Episode 1: 1872 - 1896
The International College is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Lebanan and the Middle East and has shaped the history nd the lives of many of the peoples and communities of the region in profound and lasting ways. In this series we will expose the detailed hisory of IC from its earlies beginnings in 1872. We Hope you will enjoy reading it as we did.
Episode 1: 1872 - 1896
Beirut '1872: “The prep school is founded under the name ‘The Preparatory Department of the Syrian Protestant College”. “The prep school, was a solution to a major problem facing the university: finding students with the necessary qualifications to enter university. At first, classes were conducted in a rented space in Boutros al Boustani’s, a Lebanese writer and scholar, National School, the Madrasa al Watania.”
Smyrna '1891: Protestant minister, Rev. Alexander MacLachlan starts inSmyrna, Turkey an “American Boys’ School” using the official license of an old school which other American missionaries had opened in 1879. “In the neighborhood, it was better known as “Mrs. Bartlett’s Boys’ School” – previously run by Cornelia Bartlett who took an immediate liking to Alexander. He was equally touched by her God-serving demeanor and vision of a strong Christian boys’ school in the area. She confided that was she suffering from a fatal disease. His taking over the school premises was an answer to her prayers. Surveying the school, the MacLachlans scanned the meager class equipment. It was not exactly his vision of a proper school but it would have to do for now. The name of the “American Boys’ School” is changed to “American High School for Boys" in 1892 and then changed to “American Collegiate Institute.” in 1896.
Stay Tuned for the next Article in this series
I Am IC
This article appears in the Book "I Am IC" authored by Reem Haddad and published in 2019 by Librairie Antoine. This book tells the story of IC from its humble beginnngs in 1872 up to recent times. If you wish to obtain a copy of this book please contact the development office or through Antoine Online